Brevard County's Master Gardener program is accepting applications for its 2027 classes, which will begin in January. The program requires a $250 fee and 75 volunteer hours in the first year to earn certification. Classes are held at the UF/IFAS Brevard Extension office, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa. Certified Master Gardeners provide free advice to the public about plants, insects, and gardening techniques. The program is open to anyone interested in gardening, community service, and lifelong learning. The Wednesday class runs from Jan. 13 to March 31, meeting 11 times from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Saturday class meets 11 times from Jan. 9 to April 3, excluding Feb. 20 and March 20. Those dates mark the fifth annual Spring Fling event at the Brevard Discovery Garden, where new Master Gardeners can complete volunteer hours. Participants must complete 75 volunteer hours by Nov. 19 to receive a certificate and name tag at the December Master Gardener meeting. After the first year, volunteers need only 35 hours annually to stay active. The program emphasizes practical skills, with classes covering topics like plant identification, pest management, and soil health. Applications for the 2027 classes are due by the end of the year. Interested residents can email [email protected] to request an application and specify their preferred class day. Even those who don't join the program can access free help from Master Gardeners for questions about plants, insects, or lawn care. The program has been active in Brevard for years, with graduates contributing thousands of volunteer hours to local gardens, schools, and community projects. Classes are limited to ensure hands-on learning, and spots fill quickly. The fee covers training, materials, and access to UF/IFAS resources. The next classes begin in January 2027. Applications are available online through the UF/IFAS website or by contacting the extension office directly.